CRIMINAL ASSOCIATE JUDGE (SUBSTITUTE), Criminal Courts

The Criminal Associate Judge will be responsible for assisting with the daily functions of the Criminal Courts including performing a variety of judicial duties in the Criminal Courts as directed, such as hearing and evaluating evidence and witness credibility, analyzing laws and rules, making findings of fact and conclusions of law, determining bail matters, and issuing oral or written decisions and orders. 

This posting may close at any time once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Performs statutory duties authorized by Chapter 54A, Subchapter A, of the Texas Government Code.
• Operates under the jurisdiction and direction of the elected criminal court judges.
• All actions taken are subject to a referring court’s modification, correction, rejection, reversal, or recommission for further information.
• Administratively supervised and evaluated by the Chief Magistrate.
• Does any act and takes any measure necessary and proper for the efficient performance of the assigned duties or as required by an order of referral.
• Attends meetings and training as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Excellent customer service and communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. 
• Must be able to stay organized and know how to prioritize the workload. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Competency with computers and Microsoft Office 365 Suite. 
• Advanced analytical skills.

• This position requires a broad knowledge of criminal law and proceedings as well as an ability to communicate effectively with individuals of varying backgrounds and educational levels. 
• An ability to make well-reasoned decisions in a timely manner based upon legal knowledge and experience is also essential.
• The position further requires a committed and self-starting individual who can work independently while in deference to the needs of the Criminal Courts. 

• A criminal associate judge’s appointment must be made with the approval of at least two-thirds of the elected Criminal Courts judges. 
• Graduation from an accredited law school. 
• Must have at least five (5) full-time years of work experience as a practicing attorney.
• Licensed to practice law in the State of Texas for at least five (5) years. 
• Resides in Tarrant County. 

• Must not have been removed from office by impeachment, by the Texas Supreme Court, by the Governor, or by a judicial tribunal; and must not have resigned while under such proceedings (Section 54A.003).

IMPORTANT NOTICE

To be considered for this position, your application must be complete and clearly demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications. Please ensure that all sections of the application are fully completed, including Education (specifying the type of degree, field of study, and graduation status), Experience, and Certifications/Licenses. Resumes alone will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will result in disqualification, as eligibility for minimum qualifications cannot be confirmed without full documentation. If selected for hire, you will be required to provide proof of educational attainment during the onboarding process.

Tarrant County will conduct background checks on new hires that will include a criminal background check related to convictions and deferred adjudication in the past seven years and may include credit reports, motor vehicle records, employment records and educational attainment. A conviction or deferred adjudication is not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered individually.

While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to bend, carry, climb stairs, grasp/squeeze, hear, keyboard, kneel, lift below the waist, lift between waist and shoulder, lift overhead, lift to the side/twist, tolerate noise, pull, push, reach, reach overhead, perform repetitive tasks, see color, see near, sit, stand, stoop, talk, twist, use his/her hands, walk, work alone and with others, and work overtime.

Preferred Requirements: